Method of forming an absorbent article

ABSTRACT

A method for producing an absorbent article in which a backsheet layer is provided. A hinged cutout section is formed in the backsheet and defines a hinged line. The hinged cutout section is folded along the hinge line to define a vapor-permeable panel. An absorbent body is positioned on the backsheet layer, and a liquid-permeable topsheet layer is positioned in facing relation with the backsheet layer. The absorbent body and the folded, hinged cutout section are located between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of forming an absorbent article. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method of forming an absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper, which includes a vapor-permeable panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many methods are known for producing absorbent articles which comprise a vapor- and liquid-impermeable backsheet, a liquid-pervious topsheet, and an absorbent material located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The use of vapor- and liquid-impermeable backsheets is well suited to prevent the migration of liquid waste from the absorbent materials to the outer garments of a wearer. Unfortunately, the use of liquid- and vapor-impermeable backsheets can result in a relatively high degree of humidity within the absorbent article when in use. This may result in relatively high skin hydration levels and may lead to the onset of diaper rash.

One solution to this problem which has been proposed is to substitute vapor-permeable polymer films for the vapor- and liquid-impermeable backsheets. Thus, the backsheets are formed from a material which is generally liquid impermeable but which is vapor permeable. Methods of forming such absorbent articles including a vapor-permeable backsheet are generally very similar to those methods used to form absorbent articles comprising a vapor- and liquid-impermeable backsheet. That is, it may generally be possible to substitute the vapor-permeable polymer films for the vapor- and liquid-impermeable films generally employed in forming the backsheets.

It has also been suggested to render selected portions of an otherwise vapor- and liquid-impermeable backsheet vapor permeable such as through the formation of micropores.

It has been suggested to provide a "window"-type opening formed into a vapor- and liquid-impermeable backsheet material. This "window"-type opening then can be covered by a vapor-permeable material attached to the outer surface of an absorbent article.

Conventional methods of forming such absorbent articles as those described above have not been completely satisfactory. For example, methods of forming "window"-type openings have involved cutting away a portion of a backsheet material which cutaway portion then must be removed from the rest of the manufacturing process. This is often a difficult process and can be rate limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for making an absorbent article. The absorbent article generally delimits a front waistband section, a rear waistband section, and an intermediate section which interconnects said front and rear waistband sections. The absorbent article further includes a vapor-permeable panel. The steps of the method include providing a backsheet layer having a length. A hinged cutout section is formed in said backsheet layer. The hinged cutout section defines a hinge line. The hinged cutout section is folded along the hinge line to form a folded, hinged cutout section and to define a vapor-permeable panel. An absorbent body is positioned on said backsheet layer. The absorbent body has a length which is less than the length of the backsheet layer. A liquid-permeable topsheet layer is positioned in facing relation with said backsheet layer with the absorbent body and the folded, hinged cutout section being located between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A representatively shows a hinged cutout section formed in a backsheet layer.

FIG. 1B representatively shows the hinged cutout section of FIG. 1A being folded to form a vapor-permeable panel.

FIG. 1C shows the hinged cutout section of FIG. 1A in a folded condition. FIG. 2 representatively shows a partial cutaway, top plan view of an absorbent article formed by the method of the present invention.

FIG. 3 representatively shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4, 4A and 4B representatively show an apparatus for determining a Moisture Retention Index.

FIG. 5 representatively shows an apparatus for determining a wicking index.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description will be made in the context of a disposable diaper article. It is readily apparent, however, that the method of the present invention would also be suitable for forming other absorbent articles, such as feminine care pads, incontinence garments, training pants, and the like. The present invention concerns a method for making an absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a vapor-permeable panel.

With reference to the FIGS. 1A-1C, FIG. 1A illustrates a backsheet layer 12 having a length 14. A hinged cutout section 16 is formed in the backsheet layer 12. The hinged cutout section is formed by cut lines 18, 20 and 22.

The cut lines 18, 20, and 22 may suitably be formed in backsheet layer 12 by cutting means such as die cutters, water cutters, laser cutters, and the like. The cut lines 18, 20, and 22 may represent lines of complete cutting or may, in some instances, be in the form of perforations which can later be separated to form complete lines of cutting. The lines of cutting 18, 20, and 22 serve to define a hinge line 24 defined between terminal point 26 of cut line 18 and terminal point 28 of cut line 22.

As used herein, reference to a hinged cutout refers to a partially cutout structure which can be pivoted about a hinge line. While, in the illustrated embodiment, the hinged cutout section is illustrated as being generally rectangular, it is to be understood that the hinged cutout section could be in any variety of shapes including semicircles, circles, triangles, squares, irregular shapes, and the like. Further, while FIG. 1A illustrates a single hinged cutout section, multiple hinged cutout sections can also be formed in backsheet layer 12.

FIG. 1B illustrates the hinged cutout section 16 being folded along hinge line 24. FIG. 1C illustrates the hinged cutout section 16 being completely folded along hinge line 24 to define a vapor-permeable panel 30. When the hinged cutout section 16 is in the position generally illustrated in FIG. 1C, hinged cutout section 16 will be considered a folded, hinged cutout section.

Methods of folding the hinged cutout section along hinge line 24 to form the folded, hinged cutout section and to define a vapor-permeable panel 30 include folding boards, pressurized air, and the like. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the cut lines 18, 20, and 22 are formed by a cutting die commercially available from Weston Printing Company. The hinged cutout section 16 is folded along hinge line 24 through the use of pressurized air.

With reference to FIG. 2, an absorbent body 32 is then positioned on the backsheet layer 12. The absorbent body 32 has a length 34 which is less than the length 14 of the backsheet layer 12.

A liquid-permeable topsheet layer 36 is positioned in facing relation with said backsheet layer such that the absorbent body 32 and folded, hinged cutout section are located between the topsheet layer 36 and the backsheet layer 12.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the folded, hinged cutout section is located between the topsheet layer 36 and the backsheet layer 12, specifically between the absorbent body 32 and the backsheet layer 12. If the absorbent body is configured differently than that illustrated, it may be possible for the folded, hinged cutout section to be located between the humidity transfer material 46 and the backsheet layer 12. In all of these cases, the folded, hinged cutout section is located on the interior surface 74 of the backsheet layer 12.

With further reference to FIG. 2, an integral absorbent article, such as disposable diaper 10, generally delimits a front waistband section 38, a rear waistband section 40, and an intermediate section 42 which interconnects the front and rear waistband sections. The front and rear waistband sections include the general portions of the article which are constructed to extend substantially over the wearer's front and rear abdominal regions, respectively, during use. The intermediate section of the article includes the general portion of the article which is constructed to extend through the wearer's crotch region between the legs. The absorbent article further comprises a substantially liquid-impermeable backsheet layer 12, a liquid-permeable topsheet layer 36 positioned in facing relation with backsheet layer 12; and an absorbent body 32, such as an absorbent pad, is located between the backsheet layer and topsheet layer. The absorbent body 32 overlays at least a portion of the backsheet layer 12. The backsheet layer 12 has a length 14 which, in the illustrated embodiment, coincides with the length of the diaper 10. The absorbent body has a length 32 which is less than the length 14 of the backsheet layer. A humidity transfer area 44 is formed by positioning the absorbent body 32 such that an area of at least about 5 square centimeters, suitably of at least about 22 square centimeters, desirably of from about 45 to about 90 square centimeters of the backsheet 12 in the front waistband section 38 is not overlaid by the absorbent body. In one specific embodiment, about 58 square centimeters of the backsheet 12 in the front waistband section 38 is not overlaid by the absorbent body.

An optional humidity transfer material 46 is positioned between the topsheet layer 36 and the backsheet layer 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the humidity transfer material 46 overlays at least a portion of the humidity transfer area 44 and extends over the absorbent body 32 and into the intermediate section 42 of the diaper 10.

Marginal portions of diaper 10, such as marginal sections of backsheet 12, may extend past the terminal edges of absorbent body 32 and humidity transfer material 46. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, backsheet 12 extends outwardly beyond the terminal marginal edges of absorbent body 32 and humidity transfer material 46 to form side margins 48 and 50 and end margins 52 and 54 of the diaper. Topsheet 36 is generally coextensive with backsheet 12 but may optionally cover an area which is larger or smaller than the area of backsheet 12, as desired.

Diaper 10 may be of various suitable shapes. For example, the diaper may have an overall rectangular shape, T-shape or an approximately hour-glass shape. In the shown embodiment, diaper 10 has a generally I-shape.

The various components of diaper 10 are integrally assembled together employing various types of suitable attachment means, such as adhesive, sonic bonds, thermal bonds, or combinations thereof. In the shown embodiment, for example, topsheet 36 and backsheet 12 are assembled to each other and to absorbent body 32 with lines of adhesive, such as a hot melt, pressure-sensitive adhesive. Similarly, other diaper components, such as elastic members 56, 58, 60 and 62, and fastening members 64, may be assembled into the diaper article by employing the above-identified attachment mechanisms.

The illustrated embodiment of diaper 10 includes ear portions 66, which extend laterally along the diaper cross-direction 68, and are positioned at least at the rear waistband section 40 of diaper 10. Ear portions 66 may also be located at front waistband section 38 of the diaper. The ear portions may be integral with backsheet layer 12, or may comprise separate sections which are composed of the same or different material than backsheet 12 and are suitably assembled and attached to the backsheet layer 12. Ear portions typically provide extensions of the diaper waistband suitable for completely encircling the waist of the wearer during use.

Fastening means, such as adhesive tapes 64, are employed to secure the diaper on a wearer. Alternatively, other fastening means, such as buttons, pins, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, mushroom-and-loop fasteners, or the like, may be employed.

To provide improved fit and to help reduce leakage of body exudates from diaper 10, the diaper side margins and end margins may be elasticized with suitable elastic members, such as single or multiple strands of elastic. The elastic strands may be composed of natural or synthetic rubber and may optionally be heat shrinkable or heat elasticizable. Elastic members 56 and 58 are constructed to operably gather and shirr side margins 48 and 50 to provide elasticized leg bands which can closely fit around the legs of the wearer to reduce leakage and provide improved comfort and appearance. Similarly, waist elastic members 60 and 62 can be employed to elasticize diaper end margins 52 and 54 to provide elasticized waistbands. The waist elastics are configured to operably gather and shirr the waistband sections to provide a resilient, comfortably close fit around the waist of the wearer. In FIG. 2, the elastic members are illustrated in their uncontracted, stretched condition for the purpose of clarity.

Backsheet layer 12 is suitably composed of a substantially liquid-impermeable material which is substantially permeable to vapor. An example of a suitable liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable material for backsheet 12 is a microporous polymer film such as that commercially available from Mitsui Toatsu Company under the trade designation Grade PMP-1 film.

Backsheet 12 may also suitably be composed of a substantially liquid-impermeable material, which is substantially impermeable to vapor. In particular, the backsheet may be substantially impermeable to at least water and water vapor. An example of a suitable backsheet material which is liquid and vapor impermeable is a polymer film composed of polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like. Typically, the polymer film has a thickness within the range of about 0.0007-0.002 inch (0.0018-0.0051 cm). Backsheet 12 may alternatively be composed of a nonwoven fibrous web constructed to provide the required level of liquid impermeability. For example, a nonwoven web composed of spunbonded or meltblown polymer fibers may be selectively treated with a water repellent coating or laminated with a liquid-impermeable polymer film. In a particular embodiment of the invention, backsheet 12 may comprise a nonwoven web composed of a plurality of randomly deposited, hydrophobic, thermoplastic, meltblown fibers which are sufficiently bonded or otherwise connected to one another to provide a substantially vapor-impermeable and substantially liquid-impermeable web. The backsheet may also comprise a vapor-permeable nonwoven layer which has been partially coated or otherwise configured to provide liquid impermeability in selected areas.

Topsheet layer 36 is typically composed of a liquid-permeable, substantially hydrophobic fibrous material, such as a spunbonded web composed of synthetic polymer filaments. Alternatively, topsheet 36 may comprise a meltblown web or a bonded-carded-web composed of synthetic polymer filaments. Suitable synthetic polymers include, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene and polyesters. In a particular aspect of the invention, the polymer filaments have a denier within the range of about 1.5-7 d and preferably have a denier within the range of about 1.5-3 d to provide improved performance. The filaments are arranged to form a layer having a basis weight within the range of about 20-34 grams per square meter (gsm), and preferably are arranged to have a basis weight of about 27 gsm. In addition, the topsheet layer has a bulk thickness within the range of about 0.008-0.017 inch (about 0.0203-0.0432 cm), and preferably has a bulk thickness within the range of about 0.010-0.12 inch (about 0.0254-0.305 cm) for improved effectiveness. The bulk thickness is measured under a restraining pressure of 0.014 psi (0.096 kPa).

Topsheet 36 may optionally be treated with surfactants to adjust its degree of hydrophobicity and wettability. It can also be selectively embossed or apertured with discrete slits or holes extending therethrough.

Absorbent body 32 typically includes a pad composed of airlaid, cellulosic fibers commonly referred to as wood pulp fluff. Other natural fibers, such as cotton, may also be employed to form the pad. Conventional absorbent pads can have a density ranging from about 0.03-0.40 gram per cubic centimeter, suitably from about 0.05-0.20 gram per cubic centimeter, and are sufficiently flexible to readily conform to the body of the wearer. Absorbent body 32 may also include a coform material composed of a mixture of cellulosic fibers and synthetic polymer fibers. For example, the coform material may be composed of an airlaid blend of cellulosic fibers and meltblown polyolefin fibers, such as polyethylene and/or polypropylene fibers. Particular examples of the coform material include 2-15 weight percent of polyethylene and/or polypropylene fibers. In addition, the absorbent body material typically has a bulk thickness within the range of about 0.17-0.21 inch (about 0.432-0.533 cm) as measured under a restraining pressure of 0.068 psi (0.47 kPa).

Absorbent body 32 may also include an effective amount of an inorganic or organic high absorbency (e.g. superabsorbent) material to enhance the absorptive capacity of the absorbent body. For example, absorbent body 32 can contain 5-99 weight percent high absorbency material and, preferably, includes about 20-60 weight percent of the high absorbency material to provide more efficient performance. Suitable inorganic high absorbency materials include, for example, absorbent clays and silica gels. Organic high absorbency materials can include natural materials, such as agar, pectin, guar gum and peat moss, as well as synthetic materials, such as synthetic hydrogel polymers. Such hydrogel polymers include, for example, carboxymethylcellulose, alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acids, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl ethers, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl morpholinone, polymers and copolymers of vinyl sulfonic acid, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl pyridine, and the like. Other suitable polymers include hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, and isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymers, and mixtures thereof. The hydrogel polymers are preferably lightly cross-linked to impart desired levels of water insolubility to the material. Crosslinking may, for example, be by irradiation or by covalent, ionic, Van der Waals, or hydrogen bonding. Suitable materials are available from various commercial vendors, such as Dow Chemical Company, Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Allied-Colloid, and Stockhausen. Typically, the high absorbency material is capable of absorbing at least about 15 times its weight in water and, preferably, is capable of absorbing at least about 25-50 times its weight in water.

The high absorbency material can be distributed or otherwise incorporated into absorbent body 32 by employing various techniques. For example, the high absorbency material can be incorporated into a separate carrier sheet which is layered with a body of airlaid cellulosic fibers. Alternatively, the high absorbency material may be substantially uniformly distributed (such as by airlaying) within the mass of fibers comprising the absorbent body. The material can also be non-uniformly distributed among the fibers to form, for example, a generally continuous gradient with either an increasing or decreasing concentration of high absorbency material as determined by observing the concentration moving from the bodyside of absorbent body 32 toward the outerside of the absorbent body. The high absorbency material may also comprise one or more discrete layers, strips, or pockets selectively segregated from the fibrous material of absorbent body 32.

The high absorbency material can itself be configured in various particle shapes. For example, particles of high absorbency material may be configured in the form of granules, flakes, fibers, or the like.

Optionally, a substantially hydrophilic tissue wrap (not illustrated) may be employed to help maintain the integrity of the fibrous structure of absorbent body 32. The tissue wrap sheet is typically placed about the absorbent body over at least the two major facing surfaces thereof and composed of an absorbent cellulosic material, such as creped wadding or a high wet-strength tissue. In one aspect of the invention, the tissue wrap can be configured to provide a wicking layer which helps to rapidly distribute liquid over the mass of absorbent fibers comprising the absorbent body. In another aspect of the invention, the wrapsheet material on one side of the absorbent fibrous mass may be bonded to the wrapsheet located on the opposite side of the fibrous mass. The bonds are positioned at discrete, separate regions and extend through the thickness of the fibrous mass. Such a configuration effectively shapes the wrapsheet to form a plurality of individual "funnels" or "quilts" which can help to direct liquids into the interior of the fibrous mass and provide a more rapid absorption of the liquid. An effective embodiment may further include a plurality of holes or apertures formed at least partially through the thickness of the fibrous mass. The embodiment is configured such that the bonding of the oppositely positioned layers of wrapsheet material occurs through these holes or apertures. The apertures limit the amount of intervening fibrous material and allow a more direct bonding between the wrapsheet layers. The bonding can comprise adhesive bonds, sonic bonds, thermal-bonds, or the like.

Humidity transfer material 46 is suitably located between the topsheet 36 and the absorbent body 32. The humidity transfer material serves to facilitate the movement of air within the diaper. Specifically, it is hypothesized that the humidity transfer material serves as a conduit through which water vapor can move from the intermediate section of the interior of the diaper (when in use) to the front and/or rear waistband section of the diaper in which the humidity transfer area is located. Once in the humidity transfer area, water vapor can be transferred out of the interior of the diaper through the vapor-permeable panel 30.

The humidity transfer material may suitably be formed from a nonwoven (e.g., spunbond meltblown or carded), woven or knitted fibrous webs composed of natural fibers and/or synthetic polymeric fibers. Suitable fibers include, for example, acrylic fibers, polyolefin fibers, polyester fibers, or blends thereof. The humidity transfer material may also be formed from a porous foam material such as an open-celled polyolefin foam, a reticulated polyurethane foam, and the like. The humidity transfer material suitably has a wet compression recovery of at least about 74 percent, preferably at least about 87 percent, as determined as set forth below. In order to possess the desired degree of wet compression recovery, the humidity transfer material is suitably formed from materials which are hydrophobic. The hydrophobic materials may be treated with a material such as a surfactant to adjust the wettability thereof. Nonetheless, the humidity transfer material will generally remain less hydrophilic than the material which forms the absorbent body 32.

Thickness is an important parameter for humidity transfer material 46, and can be measured under both a low constraining pressure (0.207 kPa) and a high constraining pressure (50.37 kPa). A suitable device for performing the high pressure (50.37 kPa) thickness measurement is a Testing Machine, Inc., Model 49-70 Bulk Testing Apparatus with a 1.59 cm diameter platen. The low pressure, 0.03 psi (0.207 kPa), thickness measurement can be performed with a thickness measuring apparatus which employs a circular, 7.62 cm (3 inch diameter) platen to exert a pressure of 0.03 psi onto a sample placed on a non-resilient, rigid surface. For example, a suitable instrument for measuring bulk thickness at the low pressure includes a Starrett® granite surface plate which is available from L. F. Starrett Company, located in Aphol, Mass. The instrument further includes a movable 7.62 cm diameter platen actuated by a Clipper air valve foot petal assembly, Catalog #3C30A2-S, which is available from Linemaster Switch Corporation located in Woodstock, Conn. The thickness readout is provided by a Digimatic Indicator manufactured by Mitutoyo Manufacturing Company Limited, Japan, and distributed by MTI Corporation of Paramus, N.J. The indicator has a range between 0.001-2.0 inches.

To provide a desired degree of effectiveness, humidity transfer material 46 suitably has a dry bulk thickness dimension (at 0.207 kPa) of at least about 0.1 centimeter and, preferably, has a dry bulk thickness within the range of about 0.2-1.5 centimeters. When measured at 50.37 kPa, humidity transfer material 46 suitably has a dry bulk thickness of at least about 0.1 centimeter and, preferably, has a dry bulk thickness within the range of about 0.2-1.5 centimeters. If humidity transfer material 46 is too thin, it may not provide a sufficient amount of separation and spacing between topsheet 36 and absorbent body 32. Similarly, if the combined bulk thickness of topsheet 36 and humidity transfer material 46 is too thin, there may be insufficient separation and spacing between absorbent body 32 and the skin of the wearer. Accordingly, humidity transfer material 46 and topsheet 36 have a combined bulk thickness (at 0.207 kPa) of at least about 0.13 centimeter and, preferably, have a combined bulk thickness within the range of about 0.3-1.6 centimeters. When measured at 50.37 kPa, the combined bulk thickness of topsheet 36 and humidity transfer material 46 is at least about 0.13 centimeter and, preferably, is within the range of about 0.3-1.6 centimeters.

The humidity transfer material can have a basis weight of at least about 50 grams per square meter (gsm). In particular aspects of the invention, the basis weight is at least about 80 gsm and, preferably, is at least about 120 gsm to provide improved effectiveness. In other aspects of the invention, the basis weight is not more than about 320 gsm and, preferably, is within the range of about 120-160 gsm.

In a particular aspect of the invention, the humidity transfer material is configured to maintain a desired level of dryness. In particular, the humidity transfer material can be constructed to advantageously yield a desorption ratio of at least about 100. The desorption ratio can be determined as follows:

A humidity transfer material sample measuring 2 inches×2 inches in size is weighed and then immersed in a saline solution such as S/P certified blood bank saline solution for 1 minute. The saline is made by Stephens Scientific of Riverdale, N.J., and distributed by Baxter Healthcare of McGraw Park, Ill., under catalog #B3158-1. The sample is removed from the saline solution, placed on a clip for suspension in a vertical position from a ring stand, and allowed to drip for 1 minute. After this 1-minute drip period, the sample and any retained liquid are weighed. The sample is then placed on a desorption pad for 1 hour under a pressure of 3.45 kPa which is applied over substantially the entire surface of the sample. The sample, and any liquid remaining therein, are weighed after the one-hour desorption period. The desorption pad measures 2 inches by 2 inches and is composed of an airlaid mixture of wood pulp fluff and superabsorbent material in a ratio of about 1:1 based on weight. The wood pulp fluff is a softwood bleached pulp available from Kimberly-Clark Corporation (trade designation CR-54). The superabsorbent material is a sodium salt of a polyacrylic acid available from Hoechst Celanese Corporation under the trade designation IM 5000. The desorption pad has a basis weight of about 650 grams per square meter. The desorption ratio is calculated as follows:

    Desorption ratio=A/B

Where:

A=weight gain of sample after the saturation/drip process

B=weight gain of sample after the 1 hour desorption process

When the humidity transfer material is fibrous, the fibers are configured to have a denier within the range of about 1-32 d and, preferably, have a denier within the range of about 3-10 d. When the humidity transfer material is a porous foam, the foam is suitably open celled and defines an average cell size of at least about 0.5 millimeter, suitably from about 1.0 to about 5.0 millimeters. The average cell size is suitably determined by methods known to those skilled in the art such as image analysis or scanning electron microscopy.

To maintain the desired effectiveness of humidity transfer material 46, the material should be capable of sustaining its above-described isolation function even when wetted by urine or other aqueous liquids discharged from the wearer. Accordingly, the wet compression recovery value of humidity transfer layer 46 is at least about 74 percent. Preferably, the wet compression recovery value is at least about 87 percent and, more preferably, is at least about 97 percent to provide improved performance.

The compression recovery value is a measure of the "springiness" or resilience of the material and can be determined by the procedure set forth in the Test Procedures section below.

In a further aspect of the invention, the humidity transfer material includes a plurality of two or more individual layers positioned in facing adjacent relationship. For example 2-5 individual layers may be located between the topsheet and the absorbent body and together collectively comprise the humidity transfer material 46.

The individual layers forming the humidity transfer material may be distinct and separate from each other but may be joined at selected, limited locations to maintain the integrity of the assembly. For example, the individual layers may be spot bonded to each other at limited, discrete locations.

The humidity transfer area 44 is generally that area of the diaper in which water vapor can transfer from the inside of a diaper, when in position on a wearer, to the outside of the diaper. That is, it is the area over which humidity can transfer from the humidity transfer material 46, through any intervening layer of material, and out the vapor-permeable panel 30. The area 44 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes the entire area in which the humidity transfer material 46 is in direct face-to-face overlapping relationship with the vapor-permeable panel 30.

Vapor-permeable panel 30 and, thus, humidity transfer area 44 generally has a size of at least about 5 square centimeters, alternatively of at least about 22 square centimeters, and preferably from about 45 to about 90 square centimeters.

The humidity transfer material may extend completely or partially over the humidity transfer area. It is generally desired that the entire humidity transfer area be overlaid with the humidity transfer material. This allows for the maximum degree of humidity transfer. As used herein, reference to humidity transfer refers to the transfer of water vapor from the interior of a diaper, when in use on a wearer, to the exterior of the diaper (ambient atmosphere). Further, the humidity transfer material may extend completely or partially over the adjacent surface of the absorbent body 32. The humidity transfer material is suitably located over the intermediate section 42 of the diaper and is substantially centered side-to-side with respect to the longitudinal centerline 70 of the diaper. The humidity transfer material suitably extends over about 35 to about 100 percent of the total length 14 of the backsheet layer. The humidity transfer material may extend over about 50 to about 100 percent of the width of the diaper as measured at the narrowest portion of the diaper intermediate section 42. It is generally preferred that the humidity transfer material extend at least from the intermediate section to the waistband section which includes the humidity transfer area.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the humidity transfer area is formed in a vapor-impermeable backsheet layer 12 by the vapor-permeable panel 30. The vapor-permeable panel 30 is located wherever it is desired to provide a humidity transfer area 44. As the vapor-permeable panel constitutes an opening in the backsheet, the vapor-permeable panel may be liquid permeable. While this may be suitable in some applications, it is generally desired that the vapor-permeable panel be rendered generally liquid impermeable. For example, vapor-permeable panel 30 may be covered with a vapor-permeable, liquid-impermeable material. A material is considered liquid impermeable when it is constructed to allow the passage of not more than about 0.05 milliliter of water within 5 seconds after applying a static pressure head of 70 centimeters to the material. FIG. 2 illustrates the vapor-permeable panel 30 being covered, on the outer surface 73 of diaper 10, with a vapor-permeable material 72. Of course, vapor-permeable material 72 may be located on the inner surface 74 of backsheet 12.

Vapor-permeable material 72 may be composed of a micro-porous polymer film, such as Grade PMP-1 film, manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Chemical, Inc., Tokyo, Japan. Alternatively, vapor-permeable material 72 may be composed of a nonwoven fibrous material, such as a spunbonded or meltblown web composed of synthetic polymer fibers. Vapor-permeable material 72 is preferably non-elastic.

In a particular aspect of the invention, vapor-permeable material 72 is composed of a calendered, composite, fibrous web which includes a barrier layer comprising fine fibers and a reinforcing layer comprising coarse fibers. The barrier layer and reinforcing layer are securely bonded together by fusing or adhering the reinforcing fibers into the barrier fibers, and the reinforcing layer is configured to form the outwardly-facing surface of the composite web.

The reinforcing layer of the composite can be a web of hydrophobic fiber material arranged to provide a web basis weight within the range of about 10-35 grams per square meter. The reinforcing layer has a grab tensile strength (ASTM test method 149 W) within the range of about 1500-10,000 grams/inch and is bonded with a spot bonding pattern which covers between about 3-20 percent of the surface area of the reinforcing layer. The barrier layer of the composite is a web of hydrophobic fiber material arranged to provide a basis weight within the range of about 10-60 gsm. The barrier layer is composed of a plurality of randomly deposited, essentially continuous, hydrophobic, thermoplastic fibers which are partially bonded to one another. Such a web may be produced by meltblowing a web composed of thermoplastic polymer micro-fibers having an average cross-sectional diameter of about 3.0 micrometers or less.

The barrier layer and reinforcing layer are securely bonded to each other with a discontinuous bond pattern composed of thermal bonds, sonic bonds, thermal- or pressure-activated adhesive resin, or the like. This interlayer bonding pattern covers an area within the range of about 3-20 percent of the surface area of the composite web. A suitable composite web exhibits a Frazier porosity value within the range of about 3-15.25 cubic meters/minute/square meter and can support a hydrohead of at least 70 cm of water for a period of 5 seconds with a visible leakage therethrough of no more than a drop (0.05 cc) of water. The vapor-permeable material 72 suitably has a water vapor transmission rate value (WVTR) of at least about 2500 g/sq.m/24 hr., suitably at least about 3000 g/sq.m/24 hr., and alternatively at least about 4200 g/sq.m/24 hr. to provide improved performance. Further, the vapor-permeable panel 30 has an effective breathable area of at least about 5 square centimeters, suitably at least about 22 square centimeters, and preferably within the range from about 45 to about 90 square centimeters, for example about 58 square centimeters.

If vapor-permeable material 72, which overlays the vapor-permeable panel 30, is partially covered or occluded by another, substantially vapor-impermeable component of diaper 10, the areal extent of vapor-permeable panel 30 should be appropriately increased to compensate for the breathable area obscured by the occluding component. For example, when adhesive tapes are used as fastening means for the diaper, a tape landing zone composed of a plastic film may be attached to the outward surface of vapor-permeable material 72 to provide a refastenable adhesive tape system. While the plastic film may be vapor permeable or vapor impermeable, the securement of such a tape landing zone over the vapor-permeable panel could excessively occlude a portion of the vapor-permeable material and might require an increase of the breathable surface area at other locations of panel 30. Similarly, where the diaper includes a hook-and-loop fastening system, such as a Velcro®-type fastener, the loop material may be located over an outwardly facing surface of vapor-permeable material 72. While the loop material may itself be vapor permeable, the adhesive or other bonding system employed to secure the loop material over vapor-permeable material 72 may be substantially vapor impermeable. To reduce the amount of occlusion of panel 30, a discontinuous, open pattern of the adhesive or other bonding mechanism may be employed to secure the loop material onto the vapor-permeable material. For example, where an adhesive is employed, an open pattern of sprayed droplets or sprayed filaments may be employed to secure the component onto the material.

As representatively shown in FIG. 2, vapor-permeable panel 30 extends laterally and longitudinally across the front waistband section 38 of the diaper 10. Vapor-permeable panel 30 may extend across the complete cross-directional width of diaper 10. Alternatively, vapor-permeable panel 30 may extend partially across the diaper cross-directional width. To provide the desired amount of breathable surface area, panel 30 can have a longitudinal dimension within the range of about 2-18 centimeters and a width dimension within the range of about 2-21 centimeters. The shown embodiment of panel 30 begins generally at the terminal, front waistband edge of the absorbent body 32. While the illustrated embodiment shows a panel 30 which does not extend completely to the terminal, waistband edge of the diaper article, it should be readily appreciated that the extent of panel 30 along the diaper longitudinal direction may optionally extend to the terminal, waistband edge.

In a particular aspect of the invention, the humidity transfer material has a Moisture Retention Index of not more than about 40 grams. Preferably, the humidity transfer material has a Moisture Retention Index of not more than about 30 grams and, more preferably, has a Moisture Retention Index of not more than about 25 grams. The low Moisture Retention Index of the humidity transfer material can advantageously help limit the occluding effect produced by the presence of retained liquids. As a result, water vapor can more readily escape from the spaces adjacent the wearer's skin.

The humidity transfer material can also be advantageously configured to have a Wicking Index of not more than about 0.5 gram. Preferably, the humidity transfer material has a Wicking Index of not more than about 0.2 gram and, more preferably, has a Wicking Index of not more than about 0.02 gram to provide improved effectiveness. The relatively low Wicking Index of the humidity transfer material helps to limit the presence of liquid which could inhibit the movement of water vapor away from the wearer's skin.

Other diaper configurations suitable for use in connection with the instant application, other diaper components suitable for use on diapers, and other articles of the present invention are described, for example, in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/085,462 filed Jun. 30, 1993, in the name of Davis et al. and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/344,429 filed Nov. 23, 1994 (Attorney Docket No. 11,273), "Disposable Diaper Having a Humidity Transfer Area" in the name of Odorzynski et al.

Other suitable diaper components which may be incorporated on absorbent articles of the present invention include containment flaps, waist flaps, tape fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, elastomeric side panels, and the like.

In those instances where there is an undesirable level of liquid passing out of the diaper in the humidity transfer area, it may be desirable to employ an absorbent insert. The absorbent insert may be formed, for example, from the same types of material used to form absorbent body 32. The absorbent insert suitably overlies a portion of the humidity transfer area, specifically the vapor-permeable panel 30. The absorbent insert may have the same general characteristics as the absorbent body 32 but is generally rectangular and sized to overlay the vapor-permeable panel 30. The absorbent insert is located between the humidity transfer material and the body of a wearer when in use. In this position, the absorbent insert can function to desorb and hold fluid from the humidity transfer material and prevent the liquid in the humidity transfer material from passing out of the diaper in the humidity transfer area. The absorbent insert is typically located between the humidity transfer material and the topsheet layer.

TEST PROCEDURES Water Vapor Transmission Rate

A suitable technique for determining the WVTR (water vapor transmission rate) value of a material is as follows. For the purposes of the present invention, 3-inch diameter (76 millimeter) circular samples are cut from the test material and from a control material, Celguard® 2500 (Hoechst Celanese Corporation). Two or three samples are prepared for each material. Test cups used for testing are cast aluminum, flanged, 2 inches deep and come with a mechanical seal and neoprene gasket. The cups are distributed by Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia, Pa., under the designation Vapometer cup #681. One hundred milliliters of distilled water are poured into each Vapometer cup, and each of the individual samples of the test materials and control material are placed across the open top area of an individual cup. Screw-on flanges are tightened to form a seal along the edges of the cups leaving the associated test material or control material exposed to the ambient atmosphere over a 62 millimeter diameter circular area (an open, exposed area of about 30 cm²). The cups are then weighed, placed on a tray and set in a forced air oven set at 100° F. (37° C.). The oven is a constant temperature oven with external air circulating through it to prevent water vapor accumulation inside. A suitable forced air oven is, for example, a Blue M Power-O-Matic 60 oven distributed by Blue M Electric Co. of Blue Island, Ill. After 24 hours, the cups are removed from the oven and weighed. The preliminary test WVTR value is calculated as follows: ##EQU1## The relative humidity within the oven is not specifically controlled.

Under predetermined set conditions of 100° F. and ambient relative humidity, the WVTR for Celguard 2500 has been determined to be 5000 g/m² /24 hours. Accordingly, Celguard 2500 is run as a control sample with each test.

Celguard 2500 is a 0.0025 cm thick film composed of a microporous polypropylene.

Frazier Porosity

The Frazier Porosity values referred to in the present specification can be determined employing a Frazier Air Permeability Tester (Frazier Precision Instrument Co., Gaithersburg, Md.) and Method 5450, Federal Test Methods Standard No. 191A . For the purposes of the present invention, the test is conducted with a sample which measures 8 inches×8 inches.

Wet Compression Recovery

Wet compression recovery is determined from void volume measurements and is measured using an INSTRON or SINTECH tensile tester which measures the resisting force as a material is compressed between a movable platen and a fixed base at a constant rate using a certain amount of force and subsequently releasing the force at the same rate. Preferably pressure, or force, and platen position are recorded. If only force is recorded, pressure is calculated using: ##EQU2## where: P=pressure in Pascals

F=force pushing back on the platen in Newtons

A_(p) =area of the platen in square centimeters (18.9 cm²)

Void volume for a given platen position is calculated using the equation: ##EQU3## where: VV=void volume of material in cubic centimeters per gram

X_(o) =initial platen position from the base in millimeters

x=platen position from initial position in millimeters

A_(m) =area of sample material in square centimeters

M=mass of sample material in grams

P_(fiber) =fiber density in grams per cubic centimeter

For webs made with multiple fiber types, the web fiber density is the weight average of each individual fiber density:

    P.sub.fiber, Total =Wt %.sub.fiber 1 ·P.sub.fiber 1 +Wt %.sub.fiber 2 ·P.sub.fiber 2 +. . .

where: ##EQU4##

When a foam material is being measured, P_(fiber) is the density of the material from which the foam is fabricated. For foam materials, the void volume (VV) calculated using the preceding equation is an approximation, and the actual void volume will become less than the calculated void volume (VV) as the number of closed cells within the foam material increases.

The base must be larger in size than the platen. Zero height between platen and base distance was set by bringing the platen down until it barely touches the base. The platen was then raised to the desired initial height from the zero distance. The initial platen position must be greater than the initial thickness of the sample material so that the test starts out at zero pressure on the sample. The sample material can be the same size as the platen or larger.

Suitable equipment for this test could include:

Compression tester:

INSTRON model 6021 with compression test software and 1kN load cell made by Instron of Bucks, England

Balance:

Mettler of Highstown, N.J., model PM4600

For the purpose of measuring wet void volume for the present specification, a 4.9 cm diameter circular platen was used to compress materials against the base at a rate of 5.08 mm/min. up to a 1.92 kg load (10,000 Pascal or 1.45 lb/in² pressure). The platen was then returned at the same rate to the initial starting position. The initial starting position for the platen was the sample material thickness plus 1 mm from the base. Material samples were cut to 50.4 mm diameter circles and were tested in the center. Force and position data were recorded at uniform periods of time between 0.05 and 0.01 minute. The test is run on five material samples and the results averaged.

Wet void volume was measured when the material sample was completely immersed in 0.9% aqueous saline throughout the test. A flat bottomed container, such as a hexagonal polystyrene weighing dish catalog #02-202D from Fischer Scientific of Pittsburgh, Pa., was placed on the base, and the platen was zeroed and set to the initial position as described above. A 0.9% aqueous saline solution was added to the container to fill it to a level just to the bottom of the platen at its initial position. An appropriate saline could be S/P certified blood bank saline made by Stephens Scientific of Riverdale, N.J., and distributed by Baxter Healthcare of McGraw Park, Ill., under catalog #B3158-1. The load cell was tared with this level of fluid in the container. The sample was placed in the fluid, under the platen, and the test was then performed as described above. Buoyant force was found to have a negligible effect on pressure but, if so desired, it can be subtracted from the pressure readings at each platen position using the following equation: ##EQU5## where: P_(B) =Pressure from buoyant force in Pascals

P_(saline) =saline (fluid) density in grams per cubic centimeter

A_(p) =area of the platen in square centimeters (18.9 cm²)

A_(d) =area of the dish in square centimeters

x_(o) =initial platen position from the base in millimeters

x=platen position in millimeters

g=standard acceleration of gravity which is 981 cm/seconds²

0.01=conversion factor=0.1 cm/mm·0.001 kg/gm·100 cm/m

The overall pressure on the sample becomes:

    P.sub.sample 32 P.sub.reading -P.sub.B

where:

P_(sample) =pressure on the sample from the platen in Pascal

P_(reading) =pressure reading from the SINTECH or INSTRON in Pascal

P_(B) =buoyancy pressure from the 0.9% saline in Pascal

For the purpose of measuring void volume for the present specifications, 120 ml of saline was placed in the container, and the platen was initially set a distance equal to 1 mm greater than the thickness of the test material sample from the base.

Wet compression recovery was calculated using the platen positions on initial compression to 68.9 Pascal and on recovery when the pressure was equal to 68.9 Pascal: ##EQU6## where: VV_(recovery) 68.9 Pa =void volume upon recovery at 68.9 Pascal pressure

VV_(compress) 68.9 Pa =void volume upon initial compression to 68.9 Pascal pressure

Moisture Retention Index

A suitable technique for determining the Moisture Retention Index of a section of humidity transfer material is as follows:

With reference to FIG. 4, a suitable testing apparatus for determining Moisture Retention Index includes an electronic balance 102, which is accurate to 0.01 grams and has at least a 1000 gram capacity. In addition, the balance has a digital signal output for use with a digital-to-analog converter 104 and a chart recorder 106. A second electronic balance is employed to weigh the test samples. A suitable electronic balance, for example, is a Mettler PC2200 manufactured by Mettler Instrument Company, a business having offices located in Hightstown, N.J. The digital-to-analog converter should be compatible with electronic balance 102 and chart recorder 106. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the digital-to-analog converter is a Mettler GC47 D/A Converter. A suitable chart recorder is, for example, a Fisher Recordall Series 5000, which is available from Houston Instrument, a company having offices located in Austin, Tex.

The apparatus further includes a 500 milliliter aspirator bottle 108 for holding a suitable reservoir supply of synthetic urine 110. A suitable synthetic urine could be saline such as S/P certified blood bank saline made by Stephens Scientific of Riverdale, N.J., and distributed by Baxter Healthcare of McGraw Park, Ill., under catalog #B3158-1. The aspirator bottle is configured with a size number 4 rubber stopper 112 and a 7-inch glass air tube 114 which has an inside diameter of 0.22 inches (5.58 mm). Air tube 114 is positioned through a bore hole formed through the center of stopper 112 and is inserted until approximately 5 inches of the air tube protrudes from the inside surface of the stopper.

Enlarged side and top views of absorbency test chamber 116 are representatively shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The test chamber is composed of a suitable material, such as lucite, and has a substantially square base area measuring 4 inches by 4 inches. The chamber includes a 4-inch×4-inch base member 138, and a 5/8 inch (about 1.59 cm) high wall member 134 situated along each of the four sides of the base member. A 125 gram cover 124 is configured for placement over the sample placed within chamber 116. The cover extends over a generally square area and is configured to be slightly smaller than the top opening into chamber 116. Accordingly, the cover can sufficiently prevent the evaporation of moisture and can readily slip along the walls of the chamber to provide a selected pressure onto the top of a sample placed therein. A stepped, circular recess 142 is formed into the top of base 138, and conduit 144 extends through the base to a 0.25 inch inside diameter outlet tube 136. Conduit 144 conducts liquid into the bottom of recess 142 where it is then transmitted through a multiport transfer plate to a test sample 126. Within the test chamber, a 1.25 inch diameter multiport plate 122, composed of lucite, sits in recess 142 resting on top of the step therein. The multiport plate includes 7 ports, each being 3 mm in diameter, with one port located in the center of plate 122 and the remaining six ports arranged radially from the center port and equally spaced circumferentially around the center port along a 13/16 inch (about 3.016 cm) diameter circle. The seven ports are positioned 3/8 inch apart center-to-center, and plate 122 is centrally located within chamber 116. Plastic tubing having a 0.25 inch inside diameter, such as Tygon tubing--R3603, interconnects outlet tube 130 of reservoir bottle 108 and tube 136 which enters base 138. Plastic tubing 128 has an approximate total length of 7.5 feet, but the exact lengths are not critical. The tubing lengths should allow for easy use of the apparatus but should not be excessive. A control valve, such as a two-way polypropylene stopcock 132, regulates the liquid flow through plastic tubing 128. Stopcock 132 has a bore size of 4 millimeters so as not to excessively restrict liquid flow. Laboratory jacks are employed to regulate the vertical positioning of the components of the testing apparatus. In particular, laboratory jack 118 supports electronic balance 102 and reservoir bottle 108, while laboratory jack 120 supports test chamber 116 and the components contained therein. Laboratory stands 148 and 149 can be employed to make any large, coarse adjustments of the vertical positions of the components of the testing apparatus.

The testing apparatus should be clean and free from bacterial contamination and salts which may have settled out of the synthetic urine. During testing, the test equipment should not be handled. If the tubing is removed or handled, an equilibration time of approximately 1 hour should be employed to allow relief of any stresses imparted to the tubing. This equilibration time should also be allowed when refilling reservoir bottle 108. The tubing should not be touched during testing. The humidity transfer material being tested should be preconditioned at "standard" conditions of 50±2 percent RH and 23±1 degrees Centigrade. The appointed bodyside of the absorbent material should be positioned facing multiport plate 122. Any detergents employed to clean any components of the test apparatus should be completely removed so as not to affect the surface tension of the synthetic urine employed to conduct the tests.

Prior to testing, reservoir bottle 108 is filled with synthetic urine and a portion of the liquid is drained through the tubing to completely remove all air bubbles from the tubing and from the fluid conduits in the testing apparatus. The drained synthetic urine is discarded and the stopcock is closed to stop the flow of liquid. The reservoir bottle is then refilled. Plastic tubing 128 should be free of sharp bends or kinks which might impede the flow of liquid and alter the test results.

Prior to testing, the equipment is also adjusted to establish a zero head. First, chamber 116 is leveled by placing a suitably sized bubble level indicator in the center of the chamber and by pushing slightly on the appropriate side of laboratory jack 120. The front and back of chamber 116 should also be leveled. At this point, testing chamber 116 may be taped in place on laboratory jack 120. Stopcock 132 is then opened to permit liquid flow, and a slightly concave meniscus is created in each of the seven, 3 mm ports in plate 122 by adjusting the height of laboratory jack 120. Zero head is obtained when each of these ports contains synthetic urine with a slightly concave meniscus and an air bubble is maintained at the bottom of glass tube 114 within reservoir bottle 108. Stopcock 132 is then closed to stop the flow of liquid, and chamber 116 is checked to make sure that it is still level. The apparatus is then allowed to equilibrate for 3-6 hours. This equilibration time is not necessary when the testing apparatus is in continuous use and the liquid has not been changed or added. Chart recorder 106 is turned on and adjusted to plot at zero when the electronic balance 102 is at its zero setting.

The equilibrium setting of the testing apparatus is checked by placing cover 124 on chamber 116 and closing stopcock 132. Electronic balance 102 is then zeroed and the chart recorder is turned on. The testing apparatus is at equilibrium if the absorbed fluid weight reading is stable at zero. Preferably, the absorbed fluid weight reading should not vary by more than plus or minus 0.03 grams in 15 minutes.

Test sample 126 is configured in the shape of a 3-inch diameter disk. The sample is weighed to the nearest 0.01 gram and the weight is recorded. The thickness of the sample is measured with a 3-inch (7.62 cm) diameter platen under a restraining pressure of 0.2 psi (1.38 kPa).

A 3-inch diameter piece of filter paper, such as Whatman No. 4 filter paper, is centered over multiport plate 122 within chamber 116. Stopcock 132 is then opened to wet out the filter paper and remove all air bubbles. It should be noted that a new piece of filter paper is used for each test sample. The stopcock is then closed to stop the flow of liquid, and excess fluid is blotted from the edges of the filter paper. The center of the filter paper, however, is not blotted so as to avoid forming any air bubbles. The areas around filter paper 134 and cover 124 should both be dry. Stopcock 132 is opened and electronic balance 102 is zeroed out once it stabilizes. The test is started by simultaneously placing and centering sample 126 over filter paper 134, with cover 124 resting on top of the sample, and turning on the chart recorder 106. Test sample 126 is then allowed to absorb fluid for a 30-minute testing period. At the end of this period, stopcock 132 is closed and chart recorder 106 is turned off. The final reading of the electronic balance is recorded on the chart paper to serve as a check of the chart recorder data. The Moisture Retention Index is the grams of synthetic urine absorbed by test sample 126 during the 30-minute test period.

Wicking Index

A suitable technique for determining the Wicking Index of a single, generally homogeneous material or of a composite material is as follows:

With reference to the apparatus representatively shown in FIG. 5, the Wicking Test apparatus includes a chamber 150 having a 4-inch by 4-inch base measurement. A 3-inch diameter circular test sample 152 is weighed employing an electronic balance such as a Mettler PC2200 balance which is accurate to 0.01 gram. A 4-inch by 4-inch piece of 1.0 mil thick polyethylene film 160 is placed on the bottom of chamber 150, and a 3-inch diameter piece of retention material 154 is placed on top of the polymer film. The retention material is composed of an airlaid mixture of wood pulp fluff and superabsorbent in a ratio of about 1:1 based on weight. The wood pulp fluff is a softwood bleached pulp available from Kimberly-Clark Corporation (CR-54). The superabsorbent is a sodium salt of a polyacrylate available from Hoechst Celanese Corporation under the designation IM 5000. The resultant retention material 154 has a total thickness of 0.15 inches (measured under a load of 50.37 kPa) and a total basis weight of about 650 grams per square meter. The total dry weight of the retention material is about 3.5 grams, of which 50 weight percent is superabsorbent material.

After loading the retention material with 70 gm (ml) of synthetic urine (20 gram/gram liquid loading), a 4-inch by 4-inch piece of screen material 156 is placed on top of retention material 154. The screen material is a fiberglass mesh screen having the screen strands arranged in a generally square-grid pattern with 18 openings per lineal inch (324 openings per square inch) and a screen thickness of about 0.028 cm.

Test sample 152 is then placed on top of screen 156 and a 962 gram cover 158 is placed on top of the entire test sample 152 to impart a pressure of 0.3 psi. The cover extends over a generally square area and is configured to be slightly smaller than the top opening into chamber 150. Accordingly, the cover can sufficiently prevent the evaporation of moisture and can readily slip between the walls of the chamber to provide the selected pressure onto the top of a sample placed therein. Thirty minutes after placing weight 158 (cover) on top of test sample 152, the test sample is removed from chamber 150 and weighed to the nearest 0.01 gram. The difference between the dry sample weight and the "wet" sample weight after the 30-minute testing period is the amount of fluid "wicked" from the loaded retention material 154 into test sample 152. The amount of wicked liquid (in grams) is referred to as the Wicking Index.

Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. All of such changes and modifications are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention as defined by the subjoined claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for making an absorbent article which generally delimits a front waistband section, a rear waistband section, and an intermediate section which interconnects said front and rear waistband sections, which absorbent article includes a vapor-permeable panel, the steps of the method comprising:providing a backsheet layer having a length; forming a hinged cutout section in said backsheet layer, said hinged cutout section defining a hinge line; folding said hinged cutout section along said hinge line to form a folded, hinged cutout section and to define a vapor-permeable panel; positioning an absorbent body on said backsheet layer, said absorbent body having a length which is less than the length of said backsheet layer, said folded, hinged cutout section being located between said absorbent body and said backsheet layer; positioning a liquid-permeable topsheet layer in facing relation with said backsheet layer, said absorbent body being located between said topsheet layer and said backsheet layer.
 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein a humidity transfer area is formed by positioning said absorbent body on said backsheet such that an area of at least about 5 square centimeters of said backsheet, in at least one waistband section of said article, is not overlaid by said absorbent body.
 3. The method according to claim 2 further comprising the step of positioning a humidity transfer material between said topsheet and said backsheet such that said humidity transfer material overlays said humidity transfer area and extends into said intermediate section of said article.
 4. The method of claim 2 wherein said humidity transfer area is formed in the front waistband section of said absorbent article.
 5. The method according to claim 2 wherein said humidity transfer area is formed in the rear waistband section of said absorbent article.
 6. The method according to claim 3 further comprising the step of positioning an absorbent insert between said humidity transfer material and said topsheet and overlying said vapor-permeable panel.
 7. A method for making an absorbent article which generally delimits a front waistband section, a rear waistband section and an intermediate section which interconnects said front and rear waistband sections, which absorbent article has a vapor-permeable panel, the steps of the method comprising:providing a backsheet layer having a length; forming a hinged cutout section in said backsheet layer, said hinged cutout section defining a hinge line; folding said hinged cutout section along said hinge line to form a folded, hinged cutout section and to define a vapor-permeable panel constituting an opening in said backsheet which does not extend to a terminal waistband edge of said article; positioning an absorbent body on said backsheet layer, said absorbent body having a length which is less than the length of said backsheet layer; positioning a liquid-permeable topsheet layer in facing relation with said backsheet layer, said absorbent body and said folded, hinged cutout section being located between said topsheet layer and said backsheet layer.
 8. The method according to claim 7 wherein a humidity transfer area is formed by positioning said absorbent body on said backsheet such that an area of at least about 5 square centimeters of said backsheet in at least one waistband section of said absorbent article is not overlaid by said absorbent body.
 9. The method according to claim 8 further comprising the step of positioning a humidity transfer material between said topsheet and said backsheet such that said humidity transfer material overlays said humidity transfer area and extends into said intermediate section of said article.
 10. The method according to claim 8 wherein said humidity transfer area is formed in the front waistband section of said absorbent article.
 11. The method according to claim 8 wherein said humidity transfer area is formed in the rear waistband section of said absorbent article.
 12. The method according to claim 9 further comprising the step of positioning an absorbent insert between said humidity transfer material and said topsheet and overlaying said vapor-permeable panel. 